Strap structure

ABSTRACT

A strap structure used as a strap for an object such as mask or swim fin is disclosed. The object has a locking receptacle on either side. The strap structure includes an elastic strap having a coupling member at either end, the coupling member being adapted to releasably secure to the locking receptacle; and an adapting assembly having one end adapted to releasably secure to the coupling member and the other end releasably secure to the locking receptacle. Moreover, the adapting assembly includes one or more adapters so that the strap structure is adapted to secure around one of the different objects with various sizes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The invention relates to strap and more particularly to an improved strap structure for swim mask, diving mask, swimming goggles, athlete mask, safety glasses, safety goggles, or swim fin with adapter means for fitting different individuals with various head or foot sizes.

2. Description of Related Art

A conventional strap structure for swim mask, diving mask, swimming goggles, athlete mask, safety glasses, safety goggles, or swim fin is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The strap structure comprises a strap A and a set of ribs B formed on one surface of the strap A. One of the ribs B is adapted to secure to a slot (not shown) of a corresponding member so as to secure the strap structure to a portion of a swim fin as shown.

The portion is heel or toe. It is understood that sizes of the heel or the toe of different individuals are different. Also, strap fastening or unfastening is required in each wearing or taking off action. Further, tightness and degrees of comfort when wearing a mask on the head or a swim fin on the foot by cooperating with the strap are two important factors to be considered in the design phase of strap structure.

A typical strap structure comprises a strap having at least one locking receptacle proximate either end. The strap is made of flexible material. A set of ribs are formed on one surface of the strap. One of the ribs is adapted to secure to a slot of a corresponding member so as to adjustably secure the strap structure to a portion of a mask or swim fin. However, an end portion of the strap is exposed and it is not aesthetic. Moreover, the adjustment is not easy.

Conventionally, a suitable locking receptacle or clasp is provided on a portion of an object to be worn by a user. Further, the objects have many different sizes. Thus, preferably the strap is made of an elastomeric material so as to be readily adapted to fasten on the object.

Thermoplastic rubber (TPR) is a suitable elastomeric material. Thus, preferably but not limiting to using TPR as the material for producing strap for swim mask or swim fin is desired since no length adjusting mechanism is required. However, tightness and degrees of comfort when wearing the strap on a portion of the body may be sacrificed since the strap is designed to be readily worn by any individuals of different body sizes. Thus, the need for improvement still exists.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore one object of the invention to provide a strap structure used as a strap for an object such as mask or swim fin, the object having a locking receptacle on either side, comprising an elastic strap having a coupling member at either end, the coupling member being adapted to releasably secure to the locking receptacle; and adapting means having one end adapted to releasably secure to the coupling member and the other end releasably secure to the locking receptacle. By utilizing this adapting means including one or more adapters, the strap structure is adapted to secure around one of the different objects with various sizes.

It is another object of the invention to provide a strap structure having an elastic strap such that the strap can be elastically worn on an object without length adjusting mechanism being required.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a strap structure having an elastic strap which is served as a heel strap of a swim fin. Moreover, one or more adapters can be added to increase the length of the strap structure so as to fit different individuals with various foot sizes. In addition, tightness and degrees of comfort when wearing the swim fin on the foot by cooperating with the strap are considered in the design phase of strap structure.

In one aspect of the invention the strap is formed of a material selected from a group consisting of thermoplastic rubber (TPR), TPE (thermoplastic elastomer rubber), silicon rubber, plastic, rubber, a synthetic material, a polymeric material, leather, metal, and a composite material formed by combining at least two of the above materials.

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a conventional strap structure served as heel strap for a swim fin;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the strap structure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of a strap structure according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention served as heel strap for a swim fin;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the strap structure of FIG. 3 to be mounted on a foot pocket of a swim fin;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the strap structure of FIG. 4 and an adapter to be secured thereto according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the strap, the adapter of FIG. 5, and another adapter being secured together for showing another configuration;

FIG. 7 is a top view of either end of the strap of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line A--A of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a strap structure according to a third preferred embodiment of the invention to be mounted on a foot pocket of a swim fin;

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a strap structure according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the invention to be mounted on a foot pocket of a swim fin;

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a strap structure according to a fifth preferred embodiment of the invention to be mounted on a foot pocket of a swim fin;

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a strap structure according to a sixth preferred embodiment of the invention to be mounted on a foot pocket of a swim fin;

FIG. 13 is a side elevational view showing the coupling member to be secured to the receptacle of FIG. 11 by insertion; and

FIG. 14 is a side elevational view showing the coupling member to be secured to the adapter which in turn is to be secured to the receptacle of FIG. 12 by insertion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 3, a strap structure in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the invention is shown and comprises a strap 10, two coupling members 20 at both ends of the strap 10, and two locking receptacles 31 at both sides of an object such as swim fin 30 as shown. The swim fin 30 is chosen only for the purpose of description not limiting. In practice, the object can be selected from a group consisting of swim mask, diving mask, athlete mask, safety glasses, safety goggles, and swim fin.

The strap 10 is elastic and elongate. The strap 10 can have a section of circle other than the rectangular section as known in the art. Further, means for facilitating the operation of the strap 10 can be formed or mounted thereon. Preferably, but not limiting to, the strap 10 is formed of TPR. The strap 10 is shaped as an arc of a loop for a mask or swim fin so as to hold the mask to the head of secure the swim fin to the heel. The elastic strap 10 is adapted to easily put on or take off from, for example, the head. Further, the elastic strap 10 can secure, for example, the mask to the head of different sizes by elastic contracting.

The coupling members 20 formed at both ends of the strap 10 are adapted to secure to the locking receptacles 31 so as to wrap a portion of the body when in use. The coupling member 20 can have a configuration other than that as shown as long as it can easily, securely connect to the locking receptacle 31. The coupling member 20 is a well known device.

Referring to FIG. 4, in this embodiment a tab 21 of either coupling member 20 formed at either end of the strap 10 is adapted to insert into a slot 32 of either locking receptacle 31. The strap structure is implemented as a heel strap of a swim fin 30. Thus, the foot wearing the swim fin 30 is fastened by the insertions. In another configuration, one end of the strap 10 is fixedly secured to one side of the swim fin 30 and the coupling member 20 at the other end of the strap 10 is secured to the locking receptacle 31 by insertion.

Referring to FIG. 5, a strap structure according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. The characteristics of the second preferred embodiment are detailed below. Two first adapters 40 are provided and each comprises a body 41, a tab 42 at one end, and a slot 43 at the other end. The tab 21 of the coupling member 20 is adapted to insert into the slot 43 for fastening the coupling member 20 and the first adapter 40 together. Likewise, the tab 42 of the first adapter 40 is adapted to insert into the slot 32 for fastening the first adapter 40 and the locking receptacle 31 together. The second preferred embodiment aims at increasing the length of the strap structure so as to fasten a large portion of the body.

Referring to FIG. 6, in another configuration of the second embodiment another first adapter 40 is further provided. Another first adapter 40 is adapted to secure to the coupling member 20 at the other end of the strap 10. Likewise, one or more additional adapters can be added in a manner similar to above. This configuration also aims at increasing the length of the strap structure so as to fasten a large portion of the body.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the strap 10 is formed of TPR, silicon rubber, or rubber or the like. Also, the strap 10 and the coupling member 20 are formed integrally. Further, the tab 21 of the coupling member 20 is adapted to insert into a slot (not shown) of the object.

Referring to FIG. 9, a strap structure according to a third preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. The characteristics of the third preferred embodiment are detailed below. The strap 50 has two coupling members 60 at both ends and each coupling member 60 has a slot 61. The object (e.g., swim fin) 70 has a locking receptacle 80 on either side. The locking receptacle 80 has a tab 81 at one end. The tabs 81 are adapted to insert into the slots 61 for releasably securing the strap 50 and the object 70 together.

Referring to FIG. 10, a strap structure according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. The characteristics of the fourth preferred embodiment are detailed below. A second adapter 90 is provided and is adapted to releasably secure to both the coupling member 60 and the locking receptacle 80. This embodiment also aims at increasing the length of the strap structure.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 13, a strap structure according to a fifth preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. The characteristics of the fifth preferred embodiment are detailed below. The coupling member 101 is formed at either end of the strap 102. The receptacle 103 is formed on either side of the object 104. The coupling member 101 implemented as a latched tongue is adapted to insert into the receptacle 103 for fastening the strap 102 and the object 104 together.

Referring to FIGS. 12 and 14, a strap structure according to a sixth preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. The sixth embodiment is identical to the fifth embodiment, except that two third adapters 110 are provided and each has a receptacle at one end and a latched tongue at the other end. The coupling member 101 is adapted to insert into the receptacle of the third adapter 110 and the latched tongue of the third adapter 110 is adapted to insert into the receptacle 103 for fastening the strap 102 and the object 104 together.

In practice, one end of the strap can be fixedly secured to one side of the object and the coupling member at the other end of the strap is releasably secured to the locking receptacle by insertion. Moreover, one or more adapters can be added and fastened between the coupling member and the locking receptacle as desired.

Note that the strap and the coupling member can be coupled together by hook and groove, screw fastening, Velcro fastening, tab and slot, or tying.

Moreover, the strap is formed of a material selected from a group consisting of TPR, TPE, silicon rubber, plastic, rubber, a synthetic material, a polymeric material, leather, metal, and a composite material formed by combining at least two of the above materials.

The invention has the following advantages. The strap for the object (e.g., mask or swim fin) is formed of an elastomeric material. A person touches the strap can feel a sense of comfort. Further, no length adjusting mechanism is required. Furthermore, no ugly end portion of the strap is exposed. Moreover, one or more adapters can be incorporated for fitting different individuals with various head or foot sizes. In addition, tightness and degrees of comfort when wearing a mask on the head or a swim fin on the foot by cooperating with the strap are considered in the design phase of strap structure.

While the invention herein disclosed has been described by means of specific embodiments, numerous modifications and variations could be made thereto by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention set forth in the claims. 

1. A strap structure used as a strap for an object selected from a group consisting of swim mask, diving mask, athlete mask, safety glasses, safety goggles, and swim fin, the object having a locking receptacle on either side, comprising: a strap having a coupling member at either end, the coupling member being adapted to releasably secure to the locking receptacle; and adapting means having one end adapted to releasably secure to the coupling member and the other end releasably secure to the locking receptacle so that the strap structure is adapted to secure around one of the different objects with various sizes.
 2. The strap structure of claim 1, wherein the strap is formed of a material selected from a group consisting of plastic, rubber, silicon rubber, thermoplastic rubber (TPR), TPE (thermoplastic elastomer rubber), synthetic material, polymeric material, leather, and metal.
 3. The strap structure of claim 1, wherein the strap and the coupling members are formed integrally.
 4. The strap structure of claim 1, wherein the strap and the coupling member are coupled together by hook and groove, screw fastening, Velcro fastening, tab and slot, or tying.
 5. The strap structure of claim 1, wherein the strap is formed of composite material. 